On June 11, the 2025 Nature Index Research Leaders (formerly known as Nature Index Annual Tables) was released, covering the statistical period from January 1 to December 31, 2024. SCMU ranked 487th globally and 149th among universities in Chinese mainland, securing first place among all ethnic universities nationwide and seventh among Ministry-affiliated universities in Hubei Province. The university’s Share increased from 20.69 in 2023-2024 to 29.57, with its Adjusted Share growing by 23.20%.

The improvement in Nature Index rankings represents an important demonstration of the university’s “Double First-Class” construction achievements. In recent years, the university has focused on national strategic needs and disciplinary frontiers, continuously increasing investment in basic research. Through deepening reforms in the faculty system, optimizing research resource allocation, strengthening the cultivation and recruitment of high-level teams, and promoting interdisciplinary integration, the university has continuously stimulated research innovation vitality, achieving a series of breakthrough results in chemistry, life sciences, pharmacy, environmental science, and other fields.

The Nature Index is an evaluation system published by Springer Nature that measures high-quality research outputs and collaboration networks in natural sciences by tracking publications in 145 authoritative academic journals. Its statistical scope covers five core areas: life sciences, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, health and medical sciences, and physical sciences, enjoying broad international recognition. Among the top 500 global universities in the 2025 Nature Index Research Leaders, 153 are from Chinese mainland, an increase of 18 compared to the previous year.